Transcript Highlights:

• particularly, like if one of those kids, and I've been there before, has a sugar low, you're not looking at excess
• Yeah, excess of getting your sugars up.
• Please proceed.<00:19:50.400> Introduce<00:19:50.720> yourself<00:19:51.000> for
• <00:19:51.080> the proceed.
• Introduce yourself for the proceed. Introduce yourself for the record. record. record.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3603, and Representative Olson first offered and had adopted an A1 author’s amendment. Olson then explained that the bill would direct the Commissioner of Children, Youth and Families to seek a USDA waiver allowing Minnesota to bar SNAP purchases of items subject to state sales tax, such as prepared foods, chips, soft drinks, and candy. He argued the goal was to promote healthier nutrition, noted that other states have similar waivers, and said the change could help Minnesota qualify for significant federal rural health care funding. Public testimony was divided. Patrick Garofalo of the Minnesota Grocers Association opposed the bill, saying SNAP is a supplemental program and that the proposal would be difficult to administer at retail stores, create confusion, and expose retailers to serious penalties for mistakes. He argued the state tax code is not a nutrition standard and pointed out inconsistencies, such as some candy-like products still being taxable or some healthy items being treated as prepared food. Will Hagen of Minnesota Retailers also opposed the bill, warning it would require costly point-of-sale changes, retraining, and would turn store employees into enforcers while creating cross-border shopping problems. Matt Schmidt of the American First Policy Institute supported the concept, saying SNAP should emphasize nutrition and that restricting unhealthy purchases would reduce taxpayer subsidies for junk food and soda. Members then debated the bill’s logic and practicality, including questions about which snacks would or would not be allowed under the tax-based standard. Representative Sencer-Mura offered an H2 amendment, framed as applying the same restrictions to legislators’ own per diem spending; Representative Hansen responded that the comparison was not equivalent and raised concerns about household circumstances and accessibility. The H2 amendment was put to a vote and did not prevail. The committee then continued member discussion on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Proceed, lady. Thank you, Mr.
• Proceed, lady.
• Proceed, Representative. Mr.
• Proceed, representatives.
• Proceed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Proceed, gentlemen. Mr.
• Proceed, Representative.
• Proceed, Representative.
• Proceed, lady.
• Proceed.

Summary: The House took up a series of conference committee reports and third-read Senate bills near the end of session, with several members also recognizing House drafters and research staff. The chamber first adopted and finally passed Senate Joint Resolution 87, which drew debate over whether the measure would remove the City of St. Louis sheriff as an elected office; supporters said the change also applied to other charter governments, while opponents argued it reduced local autonomy. The report and final passage both succeeded on 95-46 votes. Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a package combining a wholesaler/real estate transparency measure with a land bank provision. Senate Bill 1421, a broad public safety bill, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; supporters highlighted provisions on clean slate, masked intimidation, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl, gift card fraud, unmanned aircraft, and other public safety items. The conference report passed 116-18, the bill finally passed 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a combined conference report that included insurance consumer protections, court administration updates, treatment court and judgeship provisions, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Senate Bill 1408 was stripped back to a single issue authorizing MoDOT to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, and it passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending several agriculture tax credits and adding a short line railroad credit, prompted extended debate over tax credits, budget pressures, and whether such incentives should be extended now or later; a proposed child tax credit amendment was withdrawn, and the bill ultimately passed 107-30. The House then began debate on Senate Bill 1553, a critical minerals and pharmaceutical manufacturing incentive bill, with supporters framing it as a jobs and supply-chain security measure and opponents raising questions about tax incentives and local impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I read this morning our entry-level home now is in excess of $500,000, so we have to do something.
• home<00:10:51.519> now<00:10:51.760> is<00:10:51.880> in<00:10:52.120> excess
• ><00:10:52.440> of<00:10:52.959> $500,000<00:10:53.959> so uh home now is in excess
• of $500,000 so uh home now is in excess of $500,000 so so<00:10:54.399> we<00:10:54.639> have
• of $400 million rebuilding a in excess of $400 million rebuilding a transmission<01:32:09.560> line

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With all senators voted, Members proceed to vote.
• Senators will proceed to vote.
• Senators will proceed to vote.
• Senators will proceed to vote.
• Senators will proceed to vote.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are underfunded and we utilize the Different services that are underfunded, and we utilize the proceeds
• We depend upon the money that we receive from our Medicaid and home services and the excess revenue from

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the quorum not being present, we'll assemble a quorum as we proceed in the meeting and won't take
• It is largely intended to safeguard public funds from being overly burdened by excessive litigation.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just identify yourself, who you represent, and you may proceed. You have two minutes. Yes.
• If we don't put it into the ESF or return it to the people or spend it, then right now, the excess that

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that in order to facilitate the goal of conducting a legislative hearing, and as we proceed
• Okay, with the quorum present, we will proceed.
• Okay, with the quorum present, we will proceed.
• Because we do not have our vice chair, we're going to proceed with the next item.
• As we mentioned here, excessive speed is a leading cause of fatal crashes in California.

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm concerned about anything where there's excessive spending in our state, especially $3,000 a square
• I'm concerned about anything where there's excessive spending in our state, especially $3,000 a square
• Speaker, Gillian, and I'm concerned at anything where there's excessive spending our state, especially
• And before you proceed, make sure we get that amendment down to the floor, to the well, and we'll get

Bills: HB111, HJR1, HB61, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB70, SB3, HJM3

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency generates in excess of $10 million a year for the state.
• The rest of our programs are funded through federal grants, bond proceeds, and appropriated receipts.
• On any given day, we probably have in excess of 300 inmates. that are having mental health issues or
• ensure that MUDs remain focused. on their core purpose providing essential infrastructure without excessive

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move to proceed out of order for consideration of a resolution.
• Seeing no objection, we will proceed out of order for consideration of resolutions. Mr.
• Sheel, please open the machine and members proceed to vote. Mr.
• Sheel, please open the machine and members proceed to vote. Espinosa, Soaper, Valdez.
• <03:32:57.200> to open the machine and members proceed to open the machine and members proceed

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, go ahead and proceed.
• <00:15:58.840> and here and go ahead and proceed and here and go ahead and proceed and introduce
• And next, go ahead and proceed with introducing yourself.
• Proceed. My name is Dr. Amelia Maria de la Luz Montes.
• Proceed. start with your name. Proceed.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• loss acquiring insurance, excess loss insurance<04:11:32.560> or<04:11:32.920> reinsurance
• <04:23:35.279> insurance<04:23:35.680> and the purchase of excess insurance and the
• And I also see this notion of returning excess money to the town before the pool knows if it needs it
• So I hope that using excess reserves.
• Okay.<04:35:52.639> Proce. Yes. Thank you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Rest, please proceed when you're ready. Thank you.
• Go ahead and introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• deduction for charitable giving, bonus depreciation, conforming to that, moving expenses, limitation and excess
• 07.520> expenses,<01:10:08.360> limitation<01:10:09.040> and<01:10:09.120> excess
• moving expenses, limitation and excess moving expenses, limitation and excess business<01:10:09.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please proceed. Dr.
• Please proceed.
• Please proceed.
• Please proceed.
• Please proceed.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you would please introduce yourself for the record and proceed to your testimony.
• If you would, uh, please introduce yourself for the record and then, uh, proceed.
• <01:10:51.760> thank for the record and then uh proceed thank for the record and then uh proceed
• Thank you, and if you would, uh, introduce yourself for the record and then, uh, proceed. Mr.
• Thank you, and if you would, uh, introduce yourself for the record and then, uh, proceed. Mr.

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• And that the proceeds must be allocated first to an outstanding balance, then any liens.
• The A3 amendment emphasizes that the proceeds of a sale must be applied in a certain manner once the
• the fiscal note was some $3 million or whatever it is, there has to be a significant savings, in excess
• of that just for Hennepin in excess of that just for Hennepin County<01:30:39.320> alone.
• So, every year there is excess money in the abandoned property fund and never gets claimed.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] [Music] [Music] Turn the table over to both of you, and you know the process, so please proceed
• H, you may proceed, Mr. Chair. Senators, my name is Josh Hogland, Hennepin County Assessor.
• In many instances, they're coming in and also paying values that are in excess of what I would consider
• of what I would consider the excess of what I would consider the agricultural<01:27:55.880> market
• You may proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Mike Schweers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Article 5 Revenue Estimating Conference annual review project instead of returning 50% of such excess
• With this bill, the entirety of the cumulative revenue excess may be used to develop the clerk's total
• combined budget rather than only 50% of such cumulative excess.
• So what is left is to remove a provision of the existing law that would allow them to take excess fees
• allowed to take excess fees and construct new buildings under the current law.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.